Afghanistan knocked five-time champions Sri Lanka out of the

Asia Cup with a 91-run win in Abu Dhabi Monday. Mathews

was quick to place the blame for this loss squarely on the

batsmen.

“We got a good start but again lost our way in the middle

overs. The bowlers did well, the fielding had also improved

from the last match. It's just the batting unit that let us down,”

he added.

He further went on to add that his side showed how well they

could play in the latter part of their series against South Africa

earlier this year. The Proteas won the first three of the five

ODIs in the series yet Sri Lanka fought back to ensure the

series ended 3-2.

“We played better cricket in the later parts of the South Africa

series. Just disappointing to see the way the boys went about

it. We couldn't handle pressure. Not passing 150 on both

occasions is very shocking and disappointing."

Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan, meanwhile, praised his

team’s excellent all-round showing.

“Every batsman executed his plans; we especially spoke of

partnerships. Must credit our fielders too, they did well,” the

winning captain said at the post-match ceremony.

“When you want to play to win you play positively. Our

spinners, batsmen and bowlers all did well. I would also like to

say thanks to the crowd for their support."